The Sailing Team Mission

Mission Providence College Sailing's mission is to provide each member of the Providence College community with an opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing either through basic instruction or structured competition. A student run club program, the team is one of the more active organizations on campus, recently reaching a membership of over 40 sailors. A member of the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association (NEISA), Providence sailors compete against not only other club programs but also varsity teams throughout New England and the country.

Then & Now

Established in 1951 by Martin Donnelly (class of '51) the Providence College sailing team began by sailing on four Day sailors of undetermined origin. The program continued to be an outlet for sailing-inclined undergrads until the 1970's when it faced an extended period of inactivity. The program popped on and off the radar from the late 1970's to the 1990's when it was resurrected by some highly motivated team members who managed to not only find PC Sailing a home at Community Boating in Providence, but participate in both regional and national level events. Since 2002 PC Sailing has called Rhode Island Yacht Club home, providing us one of the finest venues in New England in Narragansett Bay. Recognized in the June 2004 issue of Sailing World magazine as one of the 'up and coming teams in the country' Providence Sailing has expanded its fleet to eight flying juniors (FJs) with plans to expand further on tap. The program also has a rich racing history, winning the NEISA associate championship three times in its earlier history and more recently winning the New England Dinghy Tournament in spring 2003 and qualifying for the Atlantic Dinghy Tournament in Charleston, South Carolina in the fall of 2005.

The Current Team

Members of the team come from all backgrounds and skill levels. From those who have competed at the national level to those who haven't stepped foot on a boat until college, PC sailing provides opportunities for those who seek just to 'learn the ropes' as well as those who seek to compete against the best sailors in the country. The team practices every day except Tuesday, leaving school at 2:30 and returning by 6 pm. The fall season runs from the beginning of September to early November while the spring season starts immediately after spring break in March and runs to the end of the school year. Racing around the district takes place every weekend of the season. Team meetings are held weekly on Sunday nights during the season and every two weeks during the winter. If you're interested in learning more about the team please fill out a recruit form and our Captains will contact you.